Spicket covers (more commonly called outdoor faucet covers or spigot covers) are insulated caps that go over an exterior faucet to help prevent the pipe behind it from freezing, cracking, and leaking in cold weather.

What are spicket covers?

  • They are usually made of foam, plastic, or insulated fabric that traps a small pocket of air around the faucet for protection against freezing temperatures.
  • Many models have a hard outer shell with foam inside, or a soft “sock” style made from waterproof fabric with insulation.

Why people use them

  • When an outdoor faucet freezes, the ice can expand into interior plumbing and cause pipe bursts that lead to expensive water damage.
  • A simple faucet cover is a low‑cost way to reduce that risk, especially in places that see sub‑freezing nights but don’t have deeply winterized plumbing.

Main types of spicket covers

  • Foam cup covers : Rigid foam that hooks over the faucet and pulls tight against the wall; lightweight and very common at big‑box stores.
  • Hard shell covers : Plastic exterior with foam inside for better durability and impact resistance.
  • Faucet socks / fabric covers : Thick insulated fabric bags that slip over the faucet, often with a drawstring and sometimes Velcro for a snug, wind‑resistant fit.

How they’re installed and used

  • Most covers use a simple loop, hook, or drawstring that goes over the faucet handle; you pull it tight so the cover sits flush to the wall and traps air.
  • For best protection, people generally:
    1. Disconnect and drain hoses.
2. Shut off any interior supply valve (if available) and drain the line.

3. Install the spicket cover snugly before the first hard freeze and leave it on through the freezing season.

Quick notes and expectations

  • Spicket covers help reduce freezing risk but are not a guarantee; in very cold climates, proper interior shutoff, pipe insulation, and frost‑free sillcocks are still important.
  • They are widely sold at hardware chains and online under terms like “outdoor faucet cover,” “hose bib cover,” or “spigot cover,” so searching those phrases will show the latest designs and pricing.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.